Equipping Ghana Army a priority – Amissah-Arthur
Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur on Friday assured the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) that the Executive would continue to prioritise the equipping and provision of accommodation to the security personnel.
Vice President Amissah-Arthur gave the assurance when he joined in the celebration of the 2012 West Africa Security Services Activities , held at the Army General Headquarters, Burma Camp in Accra.
The celebration, which attracted serving officers and personnel, offers an opportunity to take stock of the events of the past year and reward deserving personnel, including civilian personnel for distinguished service.
The Vice President, who is also chairs the Army Council, commended the Forces for guaranteeing the nation a stable environment and for creating a congenial atmosphere for national peace and development.
“Your efforts in international Peace Support Operation continue to give a very positive image to Ghana,” the Vice President said.
Vice President Amissah-Arthur commended the security agencies for their co-operation in the last December General Election and the daily joint anti-armed robbery operation that has kept the cities safe.
The Vice President lauded the improved co-operation and understanding between the civilian population and the GAF.
The Vice President and his wife Matilda, joined the top brass of the GAF and danced to tunes provided by the Armed Forces Central Band.
Commodore Geofrey Mawuli Biekro, Chief of Staff at the General Head Quarters said the structure, orientation and focus of the Armed forces, lent itself to its very strategic employment, to achieve vital national objectives.
“Indeed, the Ghana Armed Forces is a bank of varied professionals and skills that cut across the entire spectrum of the national economy,” he said.
Commodore Biekro said: “Well equipped, trained and motivated, the Ghana Armed Forces is poised to deliver on its constitutionally mandated roles, and contribute to the improvement of the economic fortunes and general well being of our country men and women.”
Commodore Biekro said with Ghana’s image as an icon of democracy in Africa, the country’s economy is expected to expand rapidly with associated security challenges.
He said with crime becoming more sophisticated globally, it took constant upgrading of equipment, training and strategies “to keep pace with the changing dynamics in domestic and international business”.
Commodore Biekro mentioned the establishment of the Ghana Armed Forces Pension House, the Ghana Armed Forces Bank, the development of a strategic plan for the improvement of the GAF, as some achievements of the Military High Command, over the past four years.
A number of personnel were awarded prices, for excelling in a newly instituted French competition, which is to encourage all ranks to take up the French language, to enhance their duties.
Major Elikem Fiamavle, overall winner of the competition, received as his prize a full sponsorship to Paris-France with his spouse, where the couple would be hosted by an official from the French Directorate for Military Cooperation.
The winner would also have a conducted tour to some French Military Institutions, with spending money of $3000.00, as well as a set of French books.
Two civilian employees were also given awards for long and meritorious service.
Source: GNA